Best AI Tools for Music Production and Audio Creation in 2026

Best AI Tools for Music Production and Audio Creation in 2026

Whether you are a professional producer, a content creator who needs background tracks, or a hobbyist exploring AI-generated music, the landscape in 2026 is packed with powerful options. From full song generators like Suno and Udio to specialized scoring tools like AIVA and Beatoven.ai, there is an AI music tool for nearly every use case and budget.

This guide reviews the 10 best AI music production tools available right now, with verified 2026 pricing, honest pros and cons, and practical advice on choosing the right one.

TL;DR — Quick Picks

• Best Overall AI Music Generator: Suno — industry-leading vocal quality, generous free tier, full song creation from a text prompt.
• Best for Instrumental Variety: Udio — outstanding instrumental accuracy with stem output support.
• Best for Film & Cinematic Scores: AIVA — trained on classical compositions, ideal for orchestral and cinematic music.
• Best for Content Creators on a Budget: Soundraw — unlimited MP3 downloads on the Creator plan at $11.04/month.
• Best Free Option: BandLab — a full DAW with 9 AI tools, completely free at the core level.
• Best for Voice + Music: ElevenLabs — top-tier AI voice technology combined with music generation.
• Best for Beginners: Boomy — create and distribute a song to Spotify in minutes with zero experience.
• Best for Video Scoring: Beatoven.ai — multi-mood compositions designed specifically for video soundtracks.

AI Music Production Tools — Comparison Table (2026)

Tool	Best For	Free Tier	Starting Price	Commercial License	Key Strength
Suno	Full song generation	50 credits/day	$10/mo	Yes (paid plans)	Best AI vocals & lyrics
Udio	Instrumental & genre variety	10 daily + 100/mo credits	$10/mo	Yes (paid plans)	Stem separation output
AIVA	Cinematic & orchestral	3 downloads/mo	€15/mo	Yes (Pro plan)	250+ composition styles
Soundraw	Royalty-free background music	Limited	$11.04/mo	Yes	Unlimited MP3 downloads
Mubert	Ambient & generative music	25 tracks/mo	$14/mo	Yes (paid plans)	Tracks up to 25 minutes
Boomy	Beginners & distribution	5 saves, 1 release	$9.99/mo	Yes	Direct Spotify distribution
Shutterstock (Amper)	Enterprise & agencies	No	$49/mo	Yes	Integrated stock library
ElevenLabs Music	Voice + music combined	Limited credits	$5/mo	Yes (Starter+)	Best-in-class AI voice tech
BandLab	Full DAW + AI tools	Full free DAW	~$12/mo	Yes	9 AI tools + collaboration
Beatoven.ai	Video scoring	Free trial	$2.50/mo	Yes	Multi-mood compositions

1. Suno — Best Overall AI Music Generator

Suno has solidified its position as the top AI music generator in 2026. Type a text prompt describing the mood, genre, and lyrics you want, and the platform produces a complete song with vocals, instruments, and structure in under a minute. The v5 model available on paid plans delivers remarkably natural-sounding vocals that continue to impress even seasoned producers.

Key features: Full song generation from text prompts, AI-generated lyrics, Suno Studio for track editing and stem export, support for dozens of genres and languages.

Pricing (2026):

• Free: 50 credits/day (~10 songs), non-commercial use only
• Pro: $10/month ($8/month annually) — 2,500 credits/month, v5 model, commercial rights
• Premier: $30/month ($24/month annually) — 10,000 credits/month, Studio features, stems, early access

Pros:

• Best vocal quality of any AI music tool
• Generous free tier for testing
• Full commercial rights on paid plans
• Active community and regular model updates

Cons:

• Credits do not roll over month to month
• Less granular control compared to a traditional DAW
• Occasional inconsistencies in longer compositions

Verdict: Suno is the first tool most people should try. It delivers the most polished end-to-end song creation experience in 2026, and the free plan is generous enough to explore thoroughly before committing.

2. Udio — Best for Instrumental Accuracy and Genre Range

Udio carved out its niche by excelling at instrumental fidelity and genre diversity. The v2 update introduced stem output, meaning you can receive separated tracks directly from generation. This makes Udio particularly appealing for producers who want to use AI-generated parts as building blocks in a larger arrangement.

Key features: Stem separation output, Playground tool for mixing voices and styles, support for a wide spectrum of genres, high-quality instrumental generation.

Pricing (2026):

• Free: 10 daily credits + 100 monthly credits, attribution required
• Standard: $10/month — 1,200 credits/month, longer songs, 6 concurrent generations
• Pro: $30/month — 4,800 credits/month, 8 concurrent generations, bulk downloads

Pros:

• Excellent instrumental accuracy across genres
• Built-in stem output for flexible production workflows
• Playground tool for creative experimentation
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Ongoing litigation with major labels creates licensing uncertainty
• Audio and stem downloads temporarily disabled during licensing transition
• Credits do not roll over

Verdict: Udio is a strong alternative to Suno, particularly if you value instrumental quality and need stem separation. Keep an eye on the licensing situation before relying on it for commercial projects.

3. AIVA — Best for Cinematic and Orchestral Compositions

AIVA stands apart from full-song generators by focusing on instrumental composition. Trained extensively on classical and cinematic music, it produces orchestral scores, ambient soundscapes, and genre-specific instrumentals across more than 250 styles. Unlike tools that generate a complete track from a single prompt, AIVA gives you deeper control over structure, instrumentation, and arrangement.

Key features: 250+ composition styles, MIDI and audio export, layer-by-layer editing, influence presets based on famous composers, track durations up to 5 minutes (Standard) or unlimited (Pro).

Pricing (2026):

• Free: 3 downloads/month, MP3 and MIDI, non-commercial, AIVA retains copyright
• Standard: €15/month (€11/month annually) — 15 downloads/month, monetization on YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram
• Pro: €49/month (€33/month annually) — 300 downloads/month, full copyright ownership, all formats including WAV

Pros:

• Exceptional quality for orchestral and cinematic music
• Full copyright ownership on Pro plan
• MIDI export for further editing in your DAW
• Student and educator discounts (15–30% off)

Cons:

• Not designed for vocal generation or pop/rock songs
• Free plan is very limited at 3 downloads
• Copyright retained by AIVA on free and Standard plans

Verdict: If you produce film scores, game soundtracks, or orchestral content, AIVA is the specialist tool built for your workflow. The Pro plan is a solid investment for anyone who needs full copyright and high-quality instrumental output.

4. Soundraw — Best for Unlimited Royalty-Free Background Music

Soundraw takes a different approach to AI music. Rather than generating songs from text prompts, you customize tracks by selecting genre, mood, tempo, and instruments, then fine-tune the arrangement section by section. The result is highly tailored background music for videos, podcasts, and advertisements with a lifetime license on everything you download.

Key features: Customizable track arrangement, genre and mood selectors, lifetime license on downloaded tracks (even after cancellation), section-by-section editing.

Pricing (2026):

• Creator: $11.04/month — unlimited MP3 downloads, royalty-free for videos, podcasts, ads, and client work
• Artist Starter: $29.99/month — 10 downloads, distribution to streaming platforms
• Artist Pro: $35.99/month — 20 downloads + stems
• Artist Unlimited: $49.99/month — unlimited downloads + stems
• API: $500/month — business integration

Pros:

• Unlimited MP3 downloads on the Creator plan
• Lifetime license persists after subscription cancellation
• Section-by-section customization of arrangements
• Clean, intuitive interface

Cons:

• No vocal generation
• Stems require the more expensive Artist plans
• Streaming platform distribution costs extra

Verdict: Soundraw is the top pick for content creators who need a steady supply of background music. The lifetime license model and unlimited downloads make the Creator plan outstanding value at around $11/month.

5. Mubert — Best for Ambient, Generative, and Long-Form Music

Mubert specializes in generative, never-repeating music streams. It is particularly well-suited for ambient backgrounds, focus music, meditation tracks, and in-app audio experiences. Tracks can extend up to 25 minutes, which is far longer than most competitors allow, making it ideal for podcasters and app developers.

Key features: Generative music streams up to 25 minutes, DMCA-compliant tracks, Adobe plugin integration, API for app and game developers, Mubert Studio for musician collaboration.

Pricing (2026):

• Ambassador (Free): 25 tracks/month, MP3 quality, attribution required, audio watermark
• Creator: ~$14/month — royalty-free, no attribution, content monetization
• Pro: $39/month — commercial advertising use, Adobe plugin access
• Single tracks: $149 (all media), $199 (in-app), $499 (sublicensing)

Pros:

• Excellent for ambient, focus, and long-form audio
• Tracks up to 25 minutes long
• 100% DMCA-compliant
• Adobe plugin for seamless workflow integration

Cons:

• Free plan includes an audio watermark
• Less suited for structured pop or rock songs
• Per-track pricing can get expensive

Verdict: Mubert fills a niche that most AI music tools overlook. If you need long-form ambient audio, DMCA-safe background music, or an API for your app, it deserves a serious look.

6. Boomy — Best for Beginners and Streaming Distribution

Boomy is designed for people with zero musical experience who want to create and distribute music to streaming platforms. The workflow is remarkably simple: pick a style, let the AI generate a track, make adjustments, and submit it to Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms directly from the app.

Key features: One-click song generation, direct submission to Spotify, Apple Music, and other DSPs, royalty tracking and analytics, genre selection with customizable parameters.

Pricing (2026):

• Free: Unlimited creation, 5 song saves, 1 release
• Creator: $9.99/month — 500 song saves, 3 monthly releases, full feature access
• Pro: $29.99/month — unlimited saves, 10 monthly releases, advanced analytics

Pros:

• Easiest learning curve of any AI music tool
• Built-in distribution to major streaming platforms
• Royalty tracking included
• Free plan allows unlimited creation

Cons:

• Audio quality does not match Suno or Udio
• Limited customization options
• Song saves are capped on lower tiers

Verdict: Boomy lowers the barrier to music creation more than any other tool on this list. If your goal is to get original music onto streaming platforms quickly with minimal effort, Boomy is the fastest path from idea to release.

7. Shutterstock AI Music (Amper Music) — Best for Agencies and Enterprise

Shutterstock acquired Amper Music in 2020 and integrated its AI composition engine into the broader Shutterstock platform. The result is an enterprise-grade tool that combines AI music generation with access to a massive stock media library. It is built for agencies, production houses, and businesses that need both custom and licensed audio.

Key features: AI-powered composition integrated with Shutterstock stock library, mood and sentiment-based generation, unlimited music downloads on subscription, filtering by genre, mood, BPM, and instruments.

Pricing (2026):

• Music subscription: $49/month (annual, pay monthly), $69/month (month-to-month), or $499/year (prepaid)
• Includes: Unlimited downloads (capped at 40/day), royalty-free commercial license

Pros:

• Bundled access to Shutterstock stock media ecosystem
• Professional-grade, royalty-free licensing
• AI composition plus curated stock music in one subscription
• Trusted by enterprise clients

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive than standalone AI tools
• Less creative flexibility than purpose-built AI generators
• Daily download cap of 40 tracks

Verdict: Shutterstock AI Music is best for teams already embedded in the Shutterstock ecosystem or agencies that need both stock and AI-generated music under a single commercial license. Individual creators will find better value elsewhere.

8. ElevenLabs Eleven Music — Best for Voice and Music Combined

ElevenLabs built its reputation on industry-leading AI voice technology, and Eleven Music extends that expertise into song creation. The platform generates songs between 30 seconds and 4 minutes, handling vocals, instrumentation, and style automatically. What makes it unique is the seamless integration with ElevenLabs’ voice suite, letting you combine AI voices with original music in a single workflow.

Key features: AI music generation with automatic vocal and instrumental arrangement, integration with ElevenLabs voice cloning and text-to-speech, trim and edit directly in the generation window, API access for developers.

Pricing (2026):

• Free: 10,000 credits/month (limited music generation)
• Starter: $5/month — 30,000 credits, commercial use on select platforms
• Pro: $99/month — 500,000 credits, broad commercial use
• Scale: $330/month — 2 million credits, advanced commercial licensing
• Music API: ~$0.50/minute of generated audio

Pros:

• Best-in-class AI voice technology paired with music
• Credits roll over for up to two months on paid plans
• Affordable entry point at $5/month
• Confirmed copyright-cleared training data

Cons:

• Music generation is newer and less mature than Suno or Udio
• Credit costs for music can be hard to predict
• Full commercial music licensing requires higher-tier plans

Verdict: ElevenLabs is the natural choice if you already use its voice tools and want to add AI music to your workflow. The confirmed copyright-cleared training data is a major advantage for commercial projects where legal certainty matters.

9. BandLab — Best Free AI-Powered DAW

BandLab is not just an AI music generator. It is a full-featured, browser-based digital audio workstation with 9 integrated AI tools. SongStarter generates royalty-free music ideas. Palette matches loops to your key and BPM. AutoMix polishes your tracks automatically. Splitter separates stems. And the platform is entirely free at its core, making it the most feature-rich no-cost option available.

Key features: Full browser-based DAW, SongStarter AI music generation, Palette loop matching from 250,000+ samples, AutoMix, Splitter (stem separation), Voice Changer, Voice Cleaner, Smart Tools (Extend, Recompose, Layer), FX Preset Generator.

Pricing (2026):

• Free: Full DAW access, SongStarter, Palette, AutoMix, basic Splitter
• Membership: ~$12/month (discounts available) — 32 tracks, advanced Voice Changer (15 styles), Voice Cleaner with DeReverb, 6-track stem separation, Smart Tools, FX Preset Generator, distribution to streaming platforms
• Student discount: 40% off annual plan (~$6/month)

Pros:

• Genuinely free full DAW with AI features
• 9 AI tools covering generation, mixing, and editing
• Built-in collaboration features
• Distribution to streaming platforms on membership
• Works entirely in the browser

Cons:

• Less powerful than desktop DAWs like Ableton or Logic
• Advanced AI tools locked behind membership
• SongStarter is limited to 11 genres

Verdict: BandLab is unmatched as a free, all-in-one music creation platform. If you want to combine AI generation with actual music production tools without spending anything, start here. The paid membership adds significant value for the price, especially for students.

10. Beatoven.ai — Best for Video Scoring and Multi-Mood Tracks

Beatoven.ai was purpose-built for video creators. Its standout feature is multi-mood composition: you can define different emotional segments within a single track, such as upbeat for an intro, reflective for the middle, and energetic for the finale. This makes it uniquely suited for YouTube videos, podcasts, documentaries, and advertisements where the emotional tone shifts throughout.

Key features: Multi-mood composition within a single track, mood and genre customization per segment, perpetual royalty-free license (persists after cancellation), Fairly Trained certification (ethically sourced training data).

Pricing (2026):

• Free trial: Generation access without downloads
• Entry-level: From $2.50/month — basic commercial rights
• Standard: $20/month — increased download minutes
• Visionary: $50/month — Maestro model, highest quality output

Pros:

• Multi-mood composition is unique and highly practical for video
• Perpetual license survives subscription cancellation
• Fairly Trained certification provides ethical assurance
• Affordable entry point at $2.50/month

Cons:

• Distribution to streaming platforms is not allowed
• Best quality requires the $50/month Visionary plan
• Free trial does not include downloads

Verdict: Beatoven.ai fills a specific but important gap in the market. If you create video content and need soundtracks that shift mood dynamically, no other tool handles this as well. The Fairly Trained certification is a bonus for ethically conscious creators.

How to Choose the Right AI Music Tool

With 10 strong options on the table, picking the right one depends on your specific needs. Here is a framework to help you decide.

Start with your use case:

• Full songs with vocals: Suno or Udio
• Instrumental scores and orchestral music: AIVA
• Background music for content: Soundraw or Mubert
• Video scoring with mood changes: Beatoven.ai
• Voice and music together: ElevenLabs
• Getting music onto Spotify fast: Boomy
• Full production in the browser: BandLab
• Enterprise or agency needs: Shutterstock (Amper Music)

Consider your budget:

• Free options: BandLab (full DAW), Suno (50 credits/day), Boomy (unlimited creation)
• Under $15/month: Soundraw Creator, Suno Pro, Udio Standard, Boomy Creator, ElevenLabs Starter, BandLab Membership
• $15–50/month: AIVA Pro, Suno Premier, Udio Pro, Mubert Pro, Beatoven Visionary
• Enterprise: Shutterstock Music, ElevenLabs Scale/Business

Check the licensing carefully. Not all commercial licenses are created equal. Some tools restrict monetization to specific platforms, while others provide full ownership. Always verify the terms before using AI-generated music in paid projects. Tools with confirmed copyright-cleared training data, like ElevenLabs and Beatoven.ai, carry lower legal risk.

Think about your workflow. If you already use a DAW, tools that export stems or MIDI (AIVA, Udio, Soundraw) integrate more smoothly. If you need an all-in-one solution, BandLab or Suno may be a better fit.

If you are also working with AI voice generators for narration or podcasts, combining ElevenLabs with its music features creates a seamless audio production pipeline. Similarly, creators producing AI-generated video content will find that Soundraw and Beatoven.ai pair especially well with video workflows. And if you are a YouTube creator looking for AI tools, having reliable background music generation is essential for consistent publishing.

Related Reading

Looking for more AI tool recommendations? These guides might help:

• AI content marketing tools
• AI writing tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AI-generated music commercially?

Yes, most tools on this list offer commercial licenses on their paid plans. However, the scope of the license varies. Some limit monetization to specific platforms like YouTube and Twitch, while others grant full commercial rights. Always check the licensing terms for your specific plan before using tracks in paid projects.

Which AI music tool has the best free plan?

BandLab offers the most generous free experience with a full browser-based DAW and multiple AI tools at no cost. For dedicated song generation, Suno provides 50 credits per day on its free tier, which is enough to generate around 10 songs daily. Boomy allows unlimited creation on its free plan but limits saves and releases. For a deeper look at related solutions, check out our guide to best free AI tools.

Is AI-generated music safe from copyright claims on YouTube?

Music generated by AI tools with commercial licenses is generally safe from copyright claims. However, some AI music tools have faced legal challenges regarding their training data. Tools like ElevenLabs and Beatoven.ai have confirmed copyright-cleared training data, which provides stronger legal protection. Always download music while on a paid plan with commercial rights to ensure coverage.

Can AI tools replace a professional music producer?

Not yet, though the gap is narrowing. AI tools excel at generating ideas quickly, producing background music, and handling repetitive tasks. However, professional production still requires human judgment for mixing, mastering, emotional nuance, and creative direction. The best approach in 2026 is to treat AI as a collaborator that accelerates your workflow rather than a replacement for human expertise.

What is the difference between Suno and Udio?

Suno excels at vocal quality and end-to-end song creation from text prompts, making it the better choice for complete songs with lyrics. Udio offers superior instrumental accuracy and built-in stem separation, making it more suited for producers who want to extract individual parts and incorporate them into their own arrangements. Both offer similar pricing starting at $10/month.

Do I own the music created with AI tools?

Ownership depends on the tool and plan. On free plans, most tools retain ownership or require attribution. On paid plans, tools like Suno, AIVA (Pro), and Soundraw grant you ownership or a perpetual license. The legal landscape around AI-generated music ownership is still evolving, so review the terms of service for whichever tool you choose.

Final Thoughts

The AI music production landscape in 2026 offers remarkable variety. Whether you need a quick background track for a YouTube video, a cinematic orchestral score, or a complete song with AI-generated vocals, there is a tool built for your exact use case.

For most people, Suno is the best starting point. Its free tier is generous, the quality is consistently impressive, and the paid plans are reasonably priced. Creators who need background music at scale should look at Soundraw for its unlimited downloads, while those producing film or game audio will find AIVA hard to beat for orchestral composition.

The one constant across all these tools: start with the free tier, test thoroughly with your actual use case, and only upgrade when you hit a genuine limitation. The best AI music tool is the one that fits naturally into your existing workflow and helps you create more, faster.